Israeli Media: Netanyahu’s Plan Seeks Israeli Prisoners’ Release Without Ending the Gaza Genocide

Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- Israeli Yedioth Ahronoth has confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new proposal aims to pressure Hamas into releasing Israeli prisoners without moving to the next phase of the ceasefire or ending the genocide. Reports also admit that Israel is committing war crimes against civilians in Gaza to force Hamas into compliance.

Netanyahu’s Strategy: War Crimes as Leverage

Israel is using military threats, collective punishment against civilians in Gaza, and US backing to pressure Hamas. The Israeli military is preparing for a large-scale invasion, hoping Hamas’ fear of the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people will push it to surrender.

At the same time, Israel has cut off humanitarian aid to Gaza, worsening an already catastrophic crisis. The decision was made in coordination with the Trump administration and began on the first day of Ramadan, making the situation even more dire.

Netanyahu is also relying on strong support from US President Donald Trump. The Israeli newspaper confirmed that billionaire Miriam Adelson plays a key role in ensuring Trump remains involved in Israel’s strategy.

Israeli-US Intention to Resume Genocide

US envoy Steve Witkoff proposed extending the first phase of the ceasefire and allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza until the end of Ramadan and Passover. In return, Hamas would release all Israeli prisoners. However, Israel refuses to commit to a permanent ceasefire, using the pause only as a temporary strategy, reported the Israeli newspaper.

The plan benefits Netanyahu politically. By delaying any final ceasefire agreement, he avoids a confrontation with far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir. This allows him to push through the government budget and maintain his grip on power. If the budget fails, his government would collapse, leading to early elections.

Israel has not withdrawn from the Philadelphia Corridor as promised in the first phase of the ceasefire. Instead, it continues assaults and blocks aid to Gaza. The Israeli government presents this strategy as a mix of pressure and incentives, according to Yedioth Ahronoth, offering to restore aid only if Hamas accepts its terms that do not guarantee the end of the genocide.